Abstract: A patch for iontophoretic transdermal application of a medicant, where the patch includes a border portion disposed about an aperture. The border portion can include a first polarity electrode in electrical communication with the medicant, and a second border portion including a second electrode having a second polarity opposite the first electrode polarity. One patch has a liftable cover, preferably a transparent and non-adherent cover, disposed over the patch aperture. A preferred medicant for inclusion in the present invention is a local anesthetic or analgesic. Other medicants such as anti-inflammatory agents or anti-infective agents may be used to locally reduce inflammation, contain infection, and alleviate pain. The present invention can allow performing a field block anesthetic about an epidermal target site. The present invention can allow observing a target or treatment site while leaving the patch in place.

Abstract: Devices and methods to heat and cool human beings, including inducing and maintaining hypothermia in human patients. Methods include inducing hypothermia to treat ischemic events, including heart attack and stroke, to limit damage caused by the ischemic event. Methods can include: using the lungs for heat exchange; using cooled gases for ventilation; using helium in the ventilation gas mixture, using medications to control reflex heat production; and injecting a perfluorocarbon mist into the gas stream to increase the cooling rate. The high thermal conductivity and diffusivity of helium results in greater inspired gas temperature equalization toward body temperature. Due to the latent heat of vaporization, addition of even small quantity of phase-change perfluorocarbon dramatically increases the heat carrying capacity of the respiratory gases. Hypothermia may be terminated by discontinuing the medications and warming the patient using a warmed helium-oxygen mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing simultaneous positive pressure ventilation to a patient together with introduction of medical device shafts into the trachea, esophagus, and/or nasal cavity of a patient. A face mask according to present invention can be used to provide positive pressure ventilation and delivery of general anesthesia gas while maintaining an airtight seal about the face, simultaneous with the introduction of a medical device shaft, for example, a fiber optic laryngoscope, into the trachea of a patient. The mask can include a standard breathing circuit port and a second instrument port having a controllably variable or adjustable inside diameter for providing a tight seal about the inserted medical device shaft. One mask has an inflatable and deflatable cuff disposed within the inside tubular walls of the instrument port.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for injecting fluid into the epidural space. An improved epidural needle or cannula is provided having a distal bulge or flare located within a few millimeters of the distal tip. The distal flare provides an increased resistance to penetration while the needle is penetrating the ligamentum flavum, and a decrease in resistance to penetration after the distal flare has successfully penetrated the ligamentum flavum. In a preferred embodiment, the distal bulge begins proximally at a distance of less than about 6 millimeters from the distal tip. The epidural needle according to the present invention preferably has the distal bulge or flare beginning proximally at a distance from the distal tip of less than the width of the epidural space.

Abstract: A patch for iontophoretic transdermal application of a medicant, where the patch includes a border portion disposed about an aperture. The border portion can include a first polarity electrode in electrical communication with the medicant, and a second border portion including a second electrode having a second polarity opposite the first electrode polarity. One patch has a liftable cover, preferably a transparent and non-adherent cover, disposed over the patch aperture. A preferred medicant for inclusion in the present invention is a local anesthetic or analgesic. Other medicants such as anti-inflammatory agents or anti-infective agents may be used to locally reduce inflammation, contain infection, and alleviate pain. The present invention can allow performing a field block anesthetic about an epidermal target site. The present invention can allow observing a target or treatment site while leaving the patch in place.